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Neurological Complications Reduced Level of Consciousness (↓LOC) Worsening of neurological/physical deficits New deficits indicating dysfunction in another part of the brain Epileptic seizures

3
Reduction in LOC Occurring in approximately 15% of stroke patients Most likely to occur within the first few days after stroke Important indicator of the severity of the stroke Potential causes: – Direct damage Hemorrhage or infarction of the brainstem – Indirect damage Supratentorial lesions associated with brain swelling and midline shift – Combination Global hemispheric ischemia and Increased intra-cranial pressure (ICP)

4
Worsening Neurological/Physical Deficits Common with initial stroke Can worsen hours, days or, rarely weeks after the initial assessment The earlier the stroke is diagnosed, there is an increase in the likelihood the worsening deficits will be recognized Within the first couple of days the worsening effects most likely have a neurological cause/origin Beyond the first couple days, non-neurological causes must be considered

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Medical Complications Medical complications are believed to be an important problem after acute stroke and present potential barriers to optimal recovery. Studies have suggested that complications not only are common, with estimates of frequency ranging from 40%-96% of patients, but also are related to poor outcomes (Langhorne, 2000). Many of the complications described are potentially preventable or treatable if recognized.

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Urinary Tract Infection Occurs in approximately 25% of hospitalized stroke patients within the first two months after stroke Prevention: – Maintaining adequate hydration and thus urine output – Avoid unnecessary bladder catheterization – Avoid constipation (will assist with complete bladder emptying) – Avoid drugs with anticholinergic effects – Assess for fever, investigate cause if present in combination with broad spectrum antibiotics* * With an increasing risk of Costridium difficile toxin-associated diarrhea, the risks of early use of broad spectrum antibiotics must be carefully weighed against the potential benefits.

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Falls Very common after stroke Patient’s with lessened deficits after stroke are more likely to fall, because the patient’s with more severe deficits are mobilized less decreasing their likelihood of fall Often associated with an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage associated with anticoagulation (atrial fibrillation population) Risk reduction: – Mobilize patients with adequate supervision and support – Utilization of bed alarms – Safety alert/Fall risk – Withdrawal of unnecessary diuretics and psychotropic drugs – Convenient room set up

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Thromboembolism Common in the legs of patients with a recent stroke, particularly older patients with a severe hemiplegia In approximately 10% of cases deep vein thrombosis (DVT) progresses to pulmonary embolism (PE) Pulmonary embolism is an important cause of preventable death after stroke and is a frequent finding at autopsy

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Thromboembolism (cont.) Assessment – Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Edema Hot or painful extremity Fever development “Stroke patients who have communication difficulties, sensory loss or neglect may well not complain of discomfort or swelling associated with deep venous thrombosis, so that clinical detection will depend on the vigilance of members of the multidisciplinary team. If a patient develops a swollen leg on a stroke unit, deep venous thrombosis has to be actively excluded” (Warlow et al., 2007).